Stars are being born here… what beauty in the Cosmos! Emission nebula NGC 604 lies in a spiral arm of galaxy M33, 2.7 million light-years away in the constellation Triangulum.

(join me on Twitter – @AstroDaija)

Here comes Friday, ready or not… but I’m guessing you’re ready. It’s been a busy week, Cosmically speaking, and so that’s been reflected here on our little slab of clay. Today we see an opening for your Romantic life as the Moom (Emotions) makes nice with Venus… planet of Love. The Moon is also in harmony with Uranus — the planet of new ideas… so if you put a little work into that play, there’s no telling where it could go. You do want to go to the next level, don’t you?  The Moon is also in first Quarter which makes us feel like it’s time to get something done.  Feeling spontaneous?  The Sun is in Aries now, and that also gives rise to enthusiasm for the good things of this life.

Meanwhile, both Venus and our Moon are showing some stress with Pluto — planet of Renewal. This along with Moon stress with Chiron the Healer, tells me you need a break to go do something you really love to do. Why have you waited so long? It will actually be good for your health.

Earlier in the week, a look in the heavens revealed some nice harmony for healing transformation at mid-week as the Moon danced nicely with Chiron (the Healer), and Neptune (Spirituality). But watch for a blockage (there are always those to deal with), since the Moon also shows an opposition with Pluto… planet of transformation and renewal. An opposition is actually an opportunity to look straight at something and let it pass over you and through you so you can move on. We also see the Moon square off with Venus (Love), so I’m betting that challenge has something to do with a relationship? Most do. Did you handle it already? If not, that could be causing the stress you’re feeling. Deal with it.

On Saturday, the Moon dances nice with the Sun bringing a nice harmony between mind and emotions. This is good for making decisions. Mercury (Communication) works well with Jupiter (Prosperity), and that makes Friday a good day to make a financial decision and explain it well to all concerned. Have a good look at the Stock Market again. There can be a bit of stress today about Love. That’s OK… the reward is in solving it. Just don’t sit on it… get it resolved.

A great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, Chiron was said to be the last centaur and highly revered as a teacher and tutor.

Here comes Friday, roaring in with a symphony of celestial influences dancing above. The Moon works in harmony, today, with Chiron, Pisces, and Jupiter – an excellent combination to give you a sort of wild, end of week spirit as you finish out your work chores. Remember dancing to music you love? That sort of spiritual feeling is very healthy for body, mind, and soul. Jupiter also shows tension with Pluto, and this brings into question what is actually need for our growth and renewal? A day at the Mall, or simply a quiet walk in the country. And Mercury (Communication) shows some stress with Jupiter as well. Hmmmm. the expansive planet of Jupiter is playing quite a roll today, and Jupiter always calls for growth. Just make sure you temper your growth with the right balance based on strong core principles.

Venus is about love, and Chiron about health — the natural question is how healthy is your love life?

Earlier in the week, Venus was a bit on the outs with Chiron. Venus is about love, and Chiron about health — the natural question is how healthy is your love life? Just like a person does, your love relationships require feeding, care, and nurturing. And, often it is those things that get forgotten or taken for granted as time goes on. Don’t forget. I’m not just talking about “flowers”, though that’s become a cliche. Flowers just because, and to express your feeling — good. Flowers because someone is angry — ok, but why not do it during the good times too… as a celebration? And there are lots of other things to give, besides flowers. So, what can you do today to feed your relationship so it stays healthy?

On Saturday Mercury is working with Venus to inspire enjoyable conversations, and good social times. There’s also a feeling of transformation in the air as the Moon works with Pluto to bring the energy of change to the forefront. So good talk, combined with new ideas — not a bad day for negotiations… business or pleasure. Interestingly there is also a bit of resistance showing as the Moon shows some stress with Uranus. That’s always the case when something new comes up… you have to overcome initial resistance. People are like that — they tend to resist change at first. Yet it is change that is always needed for growth.

On Sunday, the Moon looks favorable upon Saturn, Mars, and Pluto — giving you the initiative to try some new, but practical things. Maybe you can organize your garage, or a closet. Boring? Still it feels good after you do those things. Maybe you’ll research a better banking deal at the local Credit Union. Talk it over with your mate, and you’ll be surprised what you can learn and achieve.

M27planetary nebula in Vulpecula is 4000 years old and at 1200yl distant, this nice nebula is brightened by a very hot star.

Welcome to Sunday. The Moon likes the Sun which brings balance to your endeavors today. Ever notice when your emotional intelligence conflicts with your logic? You might be shopping and think something looks like a good deal, but something in your gut tells you otherwise? Follow your gut instinct. A good rule is that if you’re taking a bit of time to try and talk yourself into something — it’s probably not the right thing for you. There’s also emotional harmony for new ideas showing in the heavens, so it’s a good day to have a talk about some plans you have with your mate.

“…a little bit of creative friction can be a good thing.”

On Saturday, the heavens showed a bit of tension showing between Venus and Mars. You know what that means – Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus, right? Hey, as I always say, a little bit of creative friction can also be a good thing. The Moon is working well with both Mercury (Communication), and Pluto (Transformation) today as well. And that’s the clue to solving any tension you feel and moving forward. Talk about it. Not argue — talk in the best sense, which also includes listening well. You’ll probably learn something very valuable, which is why I said that creative friction pays off in the first place.

Earlier, last week, the Moon is dancing well with Jupiter (Expansion) — a good sign for emotional strength. The Moon was also in conjunction with Venus, so those Love emotions were surfacing. These could have carried into your weekend, and you may find yourself at a champagne brunch for celebration You may have found your week a bit stressful, as the heavens were also showing signs of tensions too. Just remember when that happens, to keep your cool, take long breaks, and that tension makes thing happen. So handle it well, move along, and enjoy the love in your life.

Monday starts the week off relatively quietly as the Moon squares off with Mars the planet of initiation. This leaves you feeling link you’d rather work on existing projects than start something new. That’s ok, just remember to take a few notes for the new things coming up ahead — time doesn’t wait for anyone. We also see a little tension with Venus today, and this means the ebb and flow in the love life might require your attention. Don’t let the tension sit and build. Communicate honestly, and earnestly… and listen well. That’s the way to nip it in the bud.

It’s Saturday (already), and the Moon (Emotions) is building harmonious energy with Mars, Chiron, and Neptune today. Meditate on taking initiative for Spiritual Healing. This can mean different things for different people — everything from getting away to a quiet park, or hiking, to finding a new Church. The important thing is taking action. Mars is also in a tug of war with Saturn, and the Moon shows stress with Saturn. This means something is standing in your way, or attempting to hold you back. Don’t let it. Life is about progress.

“And since Mercury is about intelligence and communication… use that to tap into the awesome, core Spiritual power that drives all things. Then, look around you. This is not a time for fear, but a time to take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild.”

Earlier this week, the Moon was hanging out with Uranus which brings a feeling of new ideas and new activities into play. Since the interplay is with the Moon — this manifests as an urge to try something different that what you have done in the past. You know the old saying, “if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.” This is a good chance, then to break out of a rut. There’s also some tension with this path (it’s natural to encounter change), and the heavens show it as the Moon squares off with Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter. Sometimes we second guess our initiatives. Sometimes other express doubt. The important thing is to focus on what is right, and what must be done.

On Friday, the Moon was working with both Mercury and Jupiter today to bring conversations of growth and prosperity to the fore. Growth and prosperity? In these times? Well… yes. And, I’m not just talking about financial growth and prosperity. Look deeper. Behind all of that, what comes first — as the truest form of security — is Spiritual growth and prosperity. And since Mercury is about intelligence and communication… use that to tap into the awesome, core Spiritual power that drives all things. Then, look around you. This is not a time for fear, but a time to take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild. In the financial realm, stocks, homes — even automobiles — are available at bargain basement prices. Mortgage interest rates are as low as they will ever be. And the internet continues to create new work opportunities even in a time of high unemployment. Remember that the same chinese character standing for crisis, also means opportunity. Look for yours and prepare… Spiritually.

Sunday looks good for balance resulting from renewal and recreation. Re Creation. Through your enjoyment of a small day trip, a walk downtown, visiting old friends… you break out of the rut you are in and transform what it means to be you. This is an important thing to do from time to time… recreate. This is not a day for talking about things (Mercury shows stress with Mars and Saturn). Just do it. Sometimes we have to do something to forget ourselves for a while in order to better remember what we are all about.

Here’s to a lucky “Friday The 13th” for you. After a busy week, celestially speaking, the heavens are relatively quiet today with the Moon showing harmony with Chiron (Healing energy), and Neptune (Spiritual energy). Have you noted that the body tends to heal itself, and this is proven time and again by placebo tests that Doctors report? Where does that healing energy come from? Well, we’re amazing beings when it comes to how a positive spirit contributes to health of body… and by extension, health in relationships. Today will be good for that. We’re also seeing a little stress with Uranus — the planet of new ideas — so you can wait until next week to implement. Spark them? Sure, but just enjoy a good friday as we head into the weekend — and save the new plans for when you approach the next week.

“There is natural tension surrounding these opportunities, because of the state of the Global economy. But remember that when there is crisis… there is also opportunity. And “creative tension” is a good way to get things done.”

Earlier this week, it was a busy day for the Moon… and you will notice that much of what goes on daily has to do with lunar activity. Most people are acquainted with Sun signs — your birth sign and a symbol for the personality. But our lunar friend is in control of emotions which are they key to most goings on among humans on earth. There was an opportunity to stand in there, and get through the waves to the smooth spot at work, and at home. The Moon’s position showed creative tension with seven planets in the areas of growth, initiative, spirituality, and practicality at midweek.

On Saturday, the Moon is squaring off with Mercury (Communication), but playing nice with both Pluto (Transformation), and the Sun (Personality). This makes for a balanced start to your weekend as you sip your morning coffee with potential for renewal, depending how you plan your activities. Notice I said “activities”, since the tension with Mercury indicates today is not a time for talk… but a time for action. How so? One example would be to go to a local health club and take a nice dip in the pool. There’s transformation for you.

On Sunday, the Moon squares off with Mars, and also with Jupiter — a day when you might be considering action for Growth and Prosperity this year. There is natural tension surrounding these opportunities, because of the state of the Global economy. But remember that when there is crisis… there is also opportunity. And “creative tension” is a good way to get things done. Enjoy a long walk with your partner, and make some plans. Remember… if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Colorful “Holmberg Galaxy” as captured by NASA’s Hubble telescope.

Friday has blown in a bit stormy, celestially speaking. Agitation happens above with the Moon in tension with Mars, Chiron, Jupiter, Neptune, and the Sun, and also squaring off with Venus. Good. Good? Yes… the agitation above can inspire change below. How? Well nothing gets cleaned in the washer unless there is agitation. And, sometimes you have to shake things up to get the right blend. At work, this can mean getting your team out of their comfort zones so they can forge ahead in the changing technological and business climate. In your personal life, this may make for some strong, but true words between friends, family, and mates. The key to the whole thing is to discern right intention behind the excitement. It may get a little hot, and things may get stirred. But isn’t that exactly how wonderful meals are produced?

“Sunday brings the harmonic feelings back in line with Venus, for a nice romantic finish to the weekend.”

Earlier in the week we saw the Moon in harmony with the Sun, Chiron, and Neptune, but at odds with Saturn, Uranus, Mercury. So, today you can work with the positive spiritual, healing energy you feel throughout your person. This energy will help you when you run up against any restrictions involving new ideas you wish to communicate. For example, maybe you are thinking of proposing a get-away to your mate, but he or she is resisting. It’s ok. Just let them know you are with them “in Spirit” and things will work out for the best.

Saturday finds the Moon adjusting back into Harmony with Saturn (practicality), and Uranus… the planet of new ideas. What inspirations of a practical nature can you explore this weekend? There’s still some stress showing with Chiron (healing), and Neptune (spirituality), so it is a good day to examine any parts of your Spiritual side you may have been neglecting. You will feel much more centered when you do.

Sunday brings the harmonic feelings back in line with Venus, for a nice romantic finish to the weekend. The Moon now mingles with Chiron the Healer, so your relationship harmony today will do you well. These can be trying times, so finding enjoyment with your loved ones is especially important now. Mercury is showing a bit of stress with Venus today, so don’t spend a lot of time talking. Just do it.

While in reality the Earth goes in an orbit around the Sun, it seems from the Earth that the Sun moves over the ecliptic (red) on the celestial dome.

Welcome to Friday. The Heavens are active today with the Moon working well with Jupiter and Mars, but squaring off with Pluto. This configuration sets up energy for you to take some initiative on expansion plans at work, but then there’s a hitch in the effort since funding is not available for renewal. Also today, Saturn and Jupiter are showing tension with each other which also reflects the idea of restriction versus expansion. These are natural in normal times, and more so in a down economy. On the one hand, you need to grow to survive, while on the other, you feel like you need to play it safe. In relationships, there are times when staying comfortable — keeping things the way they are — feels right, even though one partner wants to take it to the next level. If you stay where you are — you’ll never get to where you must go.

“The spiritual tension you may have been feeling, can be resolved through prayer, and action based on careful consideration.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon was happy with Pluto — the planet of transformation and renewal. How can you use this feeling of progress to help you both at work and at home? The Moon was also mingling with Uranus to bring a feeling of new ideas to light It’s the end of January, and a good time to solidify your plans for the new year… so use that energy wisely. The Moon is also working well with Mercury (Communication) today so you may have a good feeling about a chat or talk you had with someone important to you. But, remember we are still in Mercury Retrograde (through 2/1), a time caution in communication and negotiation. Talk is good, but giving it time to double-check the important points before taking action… is better.

On Saturday, the Moon (Emotions) is showing stress with Neptune (Spirituality), but also working in harmony with the Sun (Personality). Sound like a complex package of influences? Perhaps. But then when you consider the human psyche — a bundle of ego, superego, subconscious, mental, and spiritual elements — the heavens often run parallel to our own internal churning. Does this mean we can predict all things coming at us in the future? Not even close — but we can look at patterns, “pulls” and influences. So as the weekend begins, don’t gloss over that higher matter that is speaking to you from your God center… embrace it. It has a message for you that will require discernment to see through any illusions.

On Sunday, as February rolls in, our emotional self is set for healing. How so? The spiritual tension you may have felt yesterday, may be resolved through prayer, and action based on careful consideration. If you can get over the stress of talking about it with someone close to you… that may be the exact step you need to take. Often good communication, even about the tougher subjects, leads to the resolution and transformation you seek. Remember two things: the truth will out; and the truth will set you free. Talk about it, then you can move forward.

Jupiter, the planet of Prosperity, seen by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope which reveals that the spots shown are actually a rare alignment of three of Jupiter’s moons — Io, Ganymede, and Callisto — across the planet’s face.

Get ready for an active Saturday. Mars is cooperating with Saturn which means that you can get things done — playing by the rules today. Want to bargain with your mate for something you want to do? Make sure you also give them what they want. The Moon (Emotion) show strengths with Pluto, Saturn, and Venus today… a good combination for your love life. If you’re “square” with your partner, then your love feelings can come out… and that may provide a needed transformation in your relationship. Along with the Moon, Venus (Love) is very active today… so whoop it up and enjoy this important aspect of your life.

“… and that is always the challenge… see things as they truly are, have a plan… and get it started, then stay the course even after the initial excitement wears off. It’s like that for a President, and each of us as we launch our own plans in the new year.”

Friday found the Moon mingling with Pluto… the planet of transformation and renewal. This transformative energy is still at play for your weekend. And while it is certainly appropriate for the coming challenges ahead for the new US President and his administration, renewal is always a good thing for us. On the personal level, what areas of your own life require renewal? There was also a bit of stress showing with Chiron (the Healer), and Neptune (Spirituality) Friday. Makes sense, because transformation is a journey requiring Spiritual work, which often requires you to deal with issues requiring energy, strength and discernment. You can do it. It is how we grow.

Earlier in the week, we witnessed an historic innauguration day in the US. In the heavens, on that day, the Moon (Emotions) was working well with Mercury (Communication), Jupiter (Growth and Prosperity), and with the Sun (Personality). Nationally, this translates to a message of hope communicated by the new President. But in our own lives, and certainly for the new President, more than just emotion is required to meet the tasks ahead. The Moon was also showing a bit of stress with Mars — the planet of Initiation — and that is always the challenge… see things as they truly are, have a plan… and get it started, then stay the course even after the initial excitement wears off. It’s like that for a President, and each of us as we launch our own plans in the new year.

Sunday looks a bit more peaceful, celestially speaking. We see the Moon working in conjunction with Mercury (Communication) and Jupiter (Growth). So on this day over a relaxing cup of coffee, it’s a good time to chat about your plans for prosperity in the New Year. Sure… even in down times you can prosper. The symbol for “Crisis”, in Chinese, is also the same as for “Opportunity.” The stock market is way down (crisis), but it’s a good time to buy (opportunity). How can you find the right opportunities for growth this year?

It’s Friday… always a welcome day for the working folks. Today, the Moon is working well with Mercury giving the feeling that you understand what people are trying to say to you. Not so fast. It’s still Mercury Retrograde, and even in less “communicationally-challenged” phases you always need to check what you heard, and particularly the fine print for all negotiations. The Moon is also squaring off with Mars, and this could leave you a bit stressed about beginning new projects. Check your plans, check all communications, then put it aside and let it “cool” over the weekend. This will give it time to percolate and set you up for success.

“‘Alignment’ is an interesting term. How the planets and celestial bodies line up determines much of interpretation in Astrology. The Mayans based much of their own interesting prophesies on it.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon making nice with Neptune — a planet of Spirituality. Of course, sometimes there are illusions involved with Spiritual pursuits, so it is particularly wise to pray for discernment now, during a Mercury Retrograde. And, what does “praying for discernment” really mean? It means that we are asking God to evolve and grow in our Spirituality. Discernment comes at the price of Spiritual growth. And yes… there is a “price”. You must set aside time from and forego the ways of the World to get there. You will feel the transformation deep within as you proceed, and discernment will be but one reward.

On Saturday, we see some interesting alignments in the heavens. “Alignment” is an interesting term. How the planets and celestial bodies line up determines much of interpretation in Astrology. The Mayans based much of their own interesting prophesies on it. And here on Earth, your own alignments with friends and co-workers — the bodies of your universe — determine your path and your results to a large extent. Saturday finds the Moon in harmony with both Neptune (Spirituality) and Chiron (Healing). Heal yourself emotionally via your Spiritual connection. It is your emotions, intuition, gut level instincts, that must guide you today.

Sunday is a day to be careful of what you say, and how you communicate. Better to listen well, and say little today. The Mercury Retrograde along with emotional stress with Mercury make stillness a wise policy. In this quiet time, perhaps in meditation and/or prayer, you can lift your soul from the restrictions you feel, and instead go to a place of transformation. Trust what you know in your heart. It is a time for traditions that ring true. If something new, that comes to you, does not feel right — trust your hunch.